Conduct portable appliance testing (PAT): The EICR covers fixed installations such as light fittings, fuse boxes and plug sockets, but it does not include electrical appliances provided by the landlord, like fridges or washing machines. It’s good practice to regularly conduct PAT tests on these appliances and keep records of the inspections. Tenants should also be made aware that they are responsible for maintaining the safety of any electrical appliances they bring into the property.
Register electrical appliances: Both landlords and tenants can register electrical appliances with a product registration scheme so that they are notified if the manufacturer issues a recall due to safety concerns.
Keep riser cupboards clear: Electrical riser cupboards should never be used for storage. These cupboards house essential services like gas and electricity. Blocking them with items could cause a fire if an electrical spark ignites nearby materials.
Avoid overloading sockets: Overloading sockets with too many appliances increases the risk of fire. Landlords should advise tenants not to plug too many devices into a single socket, especially high-power appliances like kettles, irons, or heaters. Direct tenants to resources like the "socket overload calculator" from Electrical Safety First to help them understand how to avoid this issue.
Portable heaters and fire safety: If tenants use portable heaters, remind them to keep the heaters away from flammable materials such as curtains or furniture. Portable heaters should never be used for drying clothes as this increases the fire risk.
Kitchen safety: Many electrical fires start in the kitchen. Landlords should remind tenants to avoid letting appliance leads trail over cookers and to regularly clean grease from ovens and grills, which can ignite if left to accumulate.
Check appliance cables: Damaged appliance cables are a common source of electrical hazards. Landlords should make sure tenants regularly check their appliances for wear and tear and avoid using any damaged equipment.
Flickering lights and socket issues: Flickering lights and burn marks around sockets or hot outlets can indicate an electrical problem. Landlords should encourage tenants to report these issues immediately so that a qualified electrician can investigate.
Water and electricity don’t mix: Bathrooms can be particularly dangerous due to the presence of water. Landlords should make tenants aware that mains-powered electrical appliances should never be used in the bathroom. Electric shaver outlets must be installed at least three meters from the bath or shower to reduce the risk of electrocution.
Outdoor electrical safety: Any outdoor electrical equipment should be used with a Residual Current Device (RCD), which helps prevent electric shocks. Tenants should be advised to switch off and unplug electrical items before cleaning or adjusting them and to store equipment properly when not in use.
